The massive winter that Tahoe just experienced not only brought water levels up past the drought level, the lake level could cause problems if it continues to rise so rapidly. So far more than 12 billion gallons of water have poured into the lake over the past week alone.

The enormous runoff resulted in the lake level rising four inches in just two weeks with a grand total of 12 billion gallons of water being added to the lake itself. Though California has faced years of drought the sudden onslaught of water poses a real threat of flooding in the area.

To protect the lake from over filling, the dam in Tahoe City, which regulates Lake Tahoe’s water levels, has been open for 120 consecutive days. That prolonged opening released billions of gallons into the Truckee River over the past four months in order to make sure the lake’s water levels don’t get to a dangerous level and exceed the legal limit.